Who we are
We're two founders who started this directory because hiring an ADU builder in San Diego was harder to get right than it should be. We aren't builders and we don't sell construction. We check public records, write plain guides, and list the builders who pass.
We started with San Diego County because it builds a lot of ADUs: the City of San Diego alone permitted more than 2,285 in 2024, according to its annual report on homes. Other California regions come next, using the same checks.
The problem we're solving
Several San Diego ADU companies have closed in the last few years while holding customers' deposits and half-built projects. Several held valid licenses until the day they failed. A license tells you a company exists on paper. It doesn't tell you whether that company has actually finished an ADU.
Answering both questions usually means a homeowner cross-checks the state license board, a city permit portal and a stack of review sites by hand. We do that work once, for every builder, and show the result on one page.
What makes this directory different
- 248 builders verified. Each one is matched to an active B (General Building) license by license number or phone, never by a similar-sounding name.
- 8,763 licenses checked. We compare listings against every B license with a San Diego County address in the state's public data, refreshed monthly.
- 325 ADU permits, 179 finished. City of San Diego permit records show that many ADU permits pulled under the names of 128 listed builders, and that many passing final inspection. Permits pulled elsewhere, or under another name, aren't counted, so the real totals are higher.
- 68 guides. Costs, permits and California ADU law, with every number linked to its source.
The full method is on how we verify ADU builders, and the way we research guides is in our editorial policy. To see the result, start with the best ADU builders in San Diego.
What we are not
- Not a contractor. We don't design, permit or build anything, and we don't hold a contractor's license.
- Not a broker. We don't sell your phone number or email to builders, and we don't sign contracts on your behalf.
- Not paid by the job. We don't take a cut of any project, and no builder can pay to rank higher. Read how we make money.
A listing is a starting point, not an endorsement. Always confirm a license on the state board's Instant License Check before you sign.
For builders
If you hold a B license and build ADUs in San Diego County, you may already be listed. See how listings work for builders, including how to correct your profile.
Contact us
Questions, corrections or a builder we should look at: email hello@findaducontractor.com.